Why Tinubu Is Not Against RUGA Settlements – Odumakin

Spokesperson of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, has stated that the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, is one of the advocates of Ruga settlements for herdsmen.

He recalled that Tinubu had in a national summit on conflict resolution said: “The government must help herders gradually shift from their traditional nomadic existence to a more static lifestyle. We have to face the reality that modernity is making the nomadic way counterproductive and inefficient.

“Unoccupied, isolated land can quickly be turned into grazing areas in the affected states. In the long run, this will enable herders to better maintain their livestock and thus their own livelihood.”

Speaking to The Punch on Monday, Odumakin said Tinubu could not join other prominent Yoruba leaders in rejecting the Ruga programme.

He said, “It would be a waste of time to expect Tinubu to say anything on the Ruga matter. Don’t forget that in 2018, it was reported in The PUNCH that he said all unused lands should be given to herdsmen for grazing. I spoke up then but he lambasted me.

“What we are witnessing today is a manifestation of what he said. So, how can he come out today to oppose Ruga? He advocated Ruga.

“To expect Asiwaju to speak against Ruga is like expecting a shadow to shed tears. It will never happen.”